Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

An accessory bracket 100 comprising first element 200 and second element
300 along with means for attaching first element with a firearm mount 10
and second element. The second element provides a semi-cylindrical
accessory bar 320 with a length to safely extend the accessories such
that the accessories do not interfere with operator vision or full
movement or deflection of firearms. When attaching the second element
with the first element, the accessory bracket provides an upper and lower
position for adjusting the height of the second element in relation to
the first element, the firearm mount, and the firearm 20. Safe,
interchangeability for multiple firearms and accessories are provided as
well as access areas and apertures for attaching the first and second
elements, changing a barrel, wiring and connectors for accessories, as
well as for firearm cooling and dispersal of gas and debris from the
firearm rounds of ammunitions.

Claims:

1. An accessory bracket for a firearm mount with a firearm comprising a
first element and a second element wherein: the first element comprises a
means for attaching with the firearm mount and a means for attaching with
the second element, wherein the first element further comprises side
access apertures on each side of the first element and top and bottom
access apertures for access to the firearm mount and the firearm and for
mounting and removing the first element with the firearm mount; the
second element comprises a means for attaching with the first element
wherein the second element means for attaching with the first element
further comprises an upper position and a lower position for adjusting a
height of the second element in relation to the first element, the
firearm mount, and the firearm when attaching the second element with the
first element; the second element further comprises a means for attaching
at least one accessory with the second element disposed on the opposing
end of the second element from the first element and at a length from the
first element that provides the length allowing full downward deflection
of the firearm on the firearm mount when an armor shield is attached with
the firearm mount, and the at least one accessory is also attached with
the second element such that neither the at least one accessory or the
accessory bracket contacts the armor shield restricting downward movement
of the firearm; the second element further comprises safety bumps
disposed on the firearm side of the second element along the length of
the second element such that the firearm mounted on the firearm mount
maintains a safety clearance between the accessory bracket and a muzzle
flash when the firearm barrel does not extend the full length of the
accessory bracket; and the second element further comprises apertures in
the second element disposed in the area subject to hot gas and debris
from the muzzle flash such that the gas and debris may be exhausted away
from the firearm and the accessory bracket.

2. An accessory bracket comprising a first element and a second element
wherein: the structure of the first element comprises: a rear base plate
including two shock bolt apertures for mounting the first element with a
firearm mount; a right side plate including an arc cutout at a top rear
portion of the side plate for hooking over a firearm mount alignment bolt
wherein the side plate arc cutouts for hooking over the firearm mount
alignment bolts extend aft past the rear base plate, an aperture for a
dowel; a left side plate that is the mirror of the right side plate; a
front mount plate including two front mount plate apertures, an upper
semi-circular cutout for a firearm to have clearance when mounted on the
firearm mount; wherein the rear base plate is attached with the right and
left side plates and the front mount plate is attached with the right and
left side plates; and a right and left dowel inserted in the right side
dowel aperture and the left side dowel aperture approximately flush with
the inside of the side plate and extending out of the aperture on the
outside of the first element providing an upper mounting for the second
element; the structure of the second element comprises: an approximately
semi-cylindrical accessory bar comprising accessory mount apertures
disposed on the accessory bar at a maximum distance from the firearm
mount for attaching an accessory mount; an accessory bar back plate
comprising an upper semi-circular cutout for a firearm, and four
accessory bar back plate apertures wherein two upper accessory bar back
plate apertures align with the two front mount plate apertures when the
second element is attached in an upper position and the two lower
accessory bar back plate apertures align with the two front mount plate
apertures when the second element is attached in a lower position; a
right side locking plate for the accessory bar and a left side locking
plate for the accessory bar, the right side and left side locking plates
each comprise a vertical slot cut through to the external side of the
side locking plates such that the first element dowel is restricted in
upper and lower movement and provides visual confirmation of the
upper-lower adjustment of the second element in relation to the first
element, the right side and left side locking plates further comprise a
horizontal slot from the rear of the side locking plate to the vertical
slot for inserting and removing the first element dowel when attaching
and removing the second element in relation to the first element, the
structure of the right side and left side locking plate further attach
with the accessory bar, wherein the right and left side locking plates
when attached with the first element lock with the first element dowel
and provide for secure accurate locking of an upper portion of the second
element of the accessory bar and provide for an upper-lower position
adjustment and provide for visual confirmation of the upper-lower
position adjustment; accessory mounts attached with the accessory bar
disposed on the opposing end of the accessory bar from the accessory back
plate; a v-shaped gusset wherein the outer shape of the v-shaped gusset
match the inner contour of the accessory bar and wherein the aft v-shaped
gusset further comprises a safety bump disposed on the inside of the
v-shaped gusset such that a firearm maintains a safety clearance between
the accessory bracket and a muzzle flash when the muzzle flash does not
extend the full length of the accessory bracket; and wherein the
accessory bar is attached with the accessory bar back plate and the right
and left side locking plates are attached with the accessory bar, the
V-shaped gusset with safety bump is attached with the accessory bar
disposed for maintaining a safety clearance with the safety bump for
firearms with the muzzle flash shorter than the full length of the
accessory bar; and wherein the second element is attached with the first
element in the desired upper-lower position and two bolts with wedge lock
washers are used to secure the accurate position visually in relation to
the other.

3. The accessory bracket as set forth in claim 2 wherein: the structure
of the first element front mount plate further comprises a lower
semi-circular cutout for wires and connector to pass through; the
structure of the second element approximately semi-cylindrical accessory
bar further comprises apertures in lower sides of the semi-cylindrical
accessory bar providing exhaust of gas and debris from a muzzle flash,
air flow for cooling, and lighter weight with larger apertures forward
and smaller apertures aft, top cutouts on both sides of the upper portion
of the accessory bar providing access for firearm barrel changes; and the
structure of the second element accessory bar back plate further
comprises a lower semi-circular cutout in the accessory bar back plate
for wires and connector to pass through.

4. The accessory bracket as set forth in claim 3 wherein the structure
of: the first element right and left side plates further comprise a side
access aperture; the first element front mount plate further comprises
nuts for attaching bolts wherein the nuts are attached in alignment with
the front mount plate apertures; and the first element further comprises
a right lower side gusset attached with the right side plate and the
front mount plate and the rear base plate; a left lower side gusset
attached with the left side plate and the front mount plate and the rear
base plate; an upper front right side gusset attached with the right side
plate and the front mount plate; an upper front left side gusset attached
with the left side plate and the front mount plate; the second element
approximately semi-cylindrical accessory bar further comprises a bottom
center cutout disposed on the accessory bar where the accessory bar
rotates closest to contacting an armor shield providing the cutout for
wires to deflect through, and an aft and bottom cutout disposed aft and
bottom of accessory bar for wires to pass through; the second element
right side locking plate and the left side locking plate for the
accessory bar further comprise a contour that aligns with the contour of
the accessory bar; the second element further comprises the accessory
mounts attached with the accessory bar disposed on the opposing end of
the accessory bar from the accessory back plate disposed with a lower
accessory mount position, a right side accessory mount position, and a
left side accessory mount position; the second element further comprises
a forward v-shaped gusset, a middle v-shaped gusset, and an aft v-shaped
gusset wherein the aft v-shaped gusset further comprises the safety bump
disposed on the inside of the v-shaped gusset such that the firearm
maintains the safety clearance between the accessory bracket and the
muzzle flash when the muzzle flash does not extend the full length of the
accessory bracket; and the second element further comprises right and
left support gussets, and the right and left side locking plates are
attached with the accessory bar and the support gusset is attached with
the accessory bar and the accessory bar back plate for strength and
rigidity and the forward V-shaped gusset is attached with the accessory
bar disposed on the opposing end of the accessory bar from the accessory
bar back plate.

Description:

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of firearms. It
is specifically related to systems for mounting various accessories to
firearms.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] It is well known to use various accessories such as infrared
lasers, night vision optics and flood lights with firearms. In the case
of small to large firearms the accessories may be securely mounted
directly with the firearm or to an accessory bracket mounted directly
with the firearm weapon. Small arms are known for the direct mounting
configuration. The larger firearms such as the M2HB Machine Gun or the
MK19 Grenade Launcher that produce much higher loads of recoil should be
mounted with a weapon mount. Various accessories typically are mounted
with the small firearm directly or in some cases the various accessories
are mounted with an accessory rail or bracket that is directly mounted
with the firearm. The larger machine gun firearm is normally placed into
a machine gun mount for firing. Relocation of the various accessories may
be required in order to maximize the operator's vision down the front of
the large or small firearm. One example of a cradle mount is the MK
Ranger, which adapts to the MK64 and MK93 Machine Gun Mounts and can be
used for both the M2HB Machine Gun and MK19 Grenade Launcher, and
receives a laser as an accessory. A disadvantage of such mounts is that
it is not compatible with the current armor configurations and will not
allow full movement of the firearm through the armor shield due to the
accessory and armor restricting firearm movement. Without full firearm
deflection, the ability of the operator to use the device is greatly
reduced by not being able to direct the weapon as desired to neutralize
enemy attacks at the limits of deflection.

[0003] Accordingly, there exists a need for an accessory mount that can
accept up to three accessory devices, and mount directly to the weapon
mount configuration, so that multiple firearms can be independently
interchanged in the same configuration of firearm mount and accessories
without removing the laser or light devices. There also exists a need for
attaching the accessories well forward of the armor in order to allow for
maximum operator visibility and to enable lasers to align for accurate
firing and for full movement and deflection of the firearm while not
hindering the operation of the firearm or minimizing the restriction of
movement of the firearm utilized in the mounting configuration especially
with armor shields. Further, there exists a need for easily adjustable
accessory mounts directly secured to the firearm mount. In addition,
there exists a need for safety devices that cannot be removed and for
accessory mounts that are interchangeable with many firearms.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention provides a means for attaching an accessory
bracket and accessories with the firearm mount wherein the means for
attaching the accessory bracket further provides a means for adjusting
the height of the accessory bracket in relation to the firearm mount, or
the firearm and allows for independent interchange of multiple types of
firearms. The accessory bracket provides a means for extension of the
accessories for operator vision and full vertical movement of the firearm
with firearm mount and armor shield independent of the length of the
firearm; provides a means for safety when a firearm barrel or muzzle
flash are shorter than the length of the accessory bracket; and provides
a means for barrel change out without removal of the firearm or the
accessory bracket from the firearm mount.

[0005] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an
accessory mount that is secured directly to the machine gun or firearm
mount that will enable multiple firearms interchangeability and one to
three accessory items for each firearm configuration.

[0006] It is another aim of the present invention to provide an accessory
mount that accurately adjusts position and securely attaches without
hindering firearm configurations.

[0007] It is a further aim of the present invention to provide an
accessory mount that enables at least seven different firearms to be used
interchangeably without modification of the firearm, weapon mount, or
accessory bracket.

[0008] Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is
provided an accessory mount for securing one to three accessories to the
bracket, without compromise to the firearms or the weapon mount. The
first element of the accessory mount is connected directly to the front
of the weapon mount and the second element of the accessory mount is
directly connected with the first element of the accessory mount. The
second element of the accessory mount is adjustable and removable to
accommodate the firearms installation or installation of firearm direct
accessories. The second element has non-removable safety devices in order
to minimize risk to the operator during firing operations. The second
element of the accessory mount has design features that accommodate the
larger firearms quick change barrel system without modification or change
to the firearm or accessory mount. Also in accordance with the present
invention, there is provided an accessory mount for use with current
armor configurations in the field. The second element of the accessory
mount extends well beyond the opening of the armor, which enables one to
three accessory items to be mounted without modification of the firearm
or the weapon mount. The accessory mount may provide electrical cables
routing and relief to eliminate cable damage and to minimize the risk of
electrical shock to the operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention
will become better understood with regard to the following description,
appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an accessory
mount with a firearm mount, a firearm, accessories, and an armor shield;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an accessory
mount with a firearm mount, and a firearm;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of an accessory mount with a
firearm mount, a firearm, and an armor shield;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an accessory
mount depicting a first and a second element attached;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of an accessory mount
depicting a first and a second element attached;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of one embodiment of an accessory mount
depicting a first and a second element attached;

[0016]FIG. 7A is a side view of one embodiment of an accessory mount
including a first and a second element attached in the upper position;

[0017] FIG. 7B is a side view of one embodiment of an accessory mount
including a first and a second element attached in the lower position;

[0018] FIG. 8A is a front view of one embodiment of an accessory mount
including a first and a second element attached in the upper position;

[0019] FIG. 8B is a front view of one embodiment of an accessory mount
including a first and a second element attached in the lower position;

[0020] FIG. 9A is a rear view of one embodiment of an accessory mount
including a first and a second element attached in the upper position;

[0021] FIG. 9B is a rear view of one embodiment of an accessory mount
including a first and a second element attached in the lower position;

[0022] FIG. 10A is a rear view of a first element rear base plate of one
embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a first element rear base plate
of one embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 11A is a side view of a first element side plate of one
embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a first element side plate of one
embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 12A is a front view of a first element front mount plate of
one embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a first element front mount plate
of one embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 13A is a front view of a second element accessory bar back
plate of one embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a second element accessory bar
back plate of one embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second element locking plate of
one embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second element accessory bar of
one embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 16A is a front view of a second element accessory bar first or
second V-shaped gusset of one embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a second element accessory bar
first or second V-shaped gusset of one embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 17A is a front view of a second element accessory bar safety
bump V-shaped gusset of one embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a second element accessory bar
safety bump V-shaped gusset of one embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 18 is a perspective view depicting a wedge lock washer; and

[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an accessory
mount depicting mid and aft gussets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention relates to the general field of firearms.
More specifically systems for mounting various accessories to firearms.
The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in
the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the
context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a
variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may
be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is
not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be
accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel
features disclosed herein.

[0039] Overview:

[0040] The function and utility of an accessory bracket is to attach the
accessory bracket with a firearm mount or gun mount such as a MK-93 Gun
Mount that receives multiple firearms including but not limited to heavy
M2HB Machine Gun or MK19 Grenade Launcher; medium M240 B, C, G, or H
Machine Gun, MAG58 Machine Gun, PKM Machine Gun, and MK48 Machine Gun;
and light M249 SAW and Minimi Machine Gun, and provides a means for
mounting accessories including but not limited to MIL Spec lasers
spotters 41, MIL Spec flood lights 42, Bore Sighting Equipment, and Fire
Control Systems. The accessory bracket provides a platform for
independently changing firearms or for independently changing accessories
while the accessory bracket may remain secured to the firearm mount. As
illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 19, an accessory bracket 100 is combined
with a firearm mount 10. In addition, the firearm mount 10 may be
attached with a firearm 20, and an armor shield 30 may be attached with
the firearm mount 10. The accessory bracket 100 comprises a first element
200 that attaches with the firearm mount 10 and a second element 300 that
attaches with the first element 200 wherein accessories 40 may be
attached with the second element 300. The first element 200 comprises a
means for attaching the first element 200 with the firearm mount 10 and a
means for attaching the first element 200 with the second element 300.
The second element 300 comprises a means for attaching the second element
300 with the first element 200 and a means for attaching an accessory 40
with the second element 300. The second element 300 comprises a
semi-cylindrical accessory bar 320 with a length to safely extend the
accessories 40 such that the accessories 40 do not interfere with the
operator's vision nor interfere with the full movement or deflection of
the firearm 20. When attaching the second element 300 with the first
element 200 the accessory bracket 100 provides an upper position and a
lower position for adjusting a height of the second element 300 in
relation to the first element 200, the firearm mount 10, the firearm 20,
and the armor shield 30. Access areas and apertures are provided for
attaching the first element, the second element, changing a barrel,
changing wiring and connectors for accessories, and working with the
firearms and ammunition as well as for firearm cooling and dispersal of
gas and debris from the firearm rounds of ammunitions. It will be
apparent that a number of safety features have been incorporated.

[0041] Design Specifications:

[0042] First Element 200:

[0043] The main support or first element 200 comprises a means for
attaching with the firearm mount 210 and a means for attaching with the
second element 220. One embodiment of a structure of the first element
200 may comprise a rear base plate 230, a right and left side plate 240,
241, a front mount plate 250, a right and left lower side gusset 260,
261, a right and left upper front gusset 262, 263. The rear base plate
230 may include two shock bolt apertures 232 for mounting the first
element 200 with a firearm mount 10. The preferred shock bolt aperture
232 accommodates .500 shock bolts used with the MK93 machine gun mount.
The rear base plate 230 may further include a horizontal slotted aperture
234 for allowing the MK 93 gun mount catch bag assembly to slide into the
horizontal slotted aperture 234 and a radius cutout 236 for clearance for
the different firearm 20 installations. The right side plate 240 may
include an arc cutout 244, 245 at a top rear portion of the right and
left side plate 240, 241 for hooking over a firearm mount alignment bolt
12, a side dowel aperture 246 for a dowel 268, 269, and a side access
aperture 242. The left side plate 241 is the mirror of the right side
plate 240. The front mount plate 250 may include two front mount plate
apertures 252 and the two front mount plate apertures 252 may each
further include a nut 391 attached or welded with the front mount plate
250, an upper semi-circular cutout 254 for providing clearance for the
firearm 20 installation, and a lower semi-circular cutout 255 opening for
wires and connectors to pass through. The front mount plate 250 may have
a .375-16 nut 391 welded with the front mount plate 250 as a preferred
embodiment. The rear base plate 230 is attached with the right and the
left side plates 240, 241, and the right and the left side plates 240,
241 are attached with the front mount plate 250. The right and left lower
side gusset 260, 261, are attached with the rear base plate 230, the
right or left side plates 240, 241 respectively and the front mount plate
250. The right and left upper front gusset 262, 263 are attached with the
right and left side plate 240, 241 respectively and the front mount plate
250. The right and left dowel 268, 269 may be inserted in the right side
dowel aperture 246 and the left side dowel aperture 247 with the right
and left dowel 268, 269 approximately flush with the inside of the right
and left side plates 240, 241 and the right and left dowel 268, 269
extending out of the right and left dowel apertures 246, 247 on the
outside of the first element 200 for providing an attaching point with
the second element 300. The side access apertures 242, 243 on each side
of the first element 200 provide access to the first element 200, the
firearm mount 10, and the firearm 20 areas for access including but not
limited to mounting and removing the first element 200 with the firearm
mount 10. In addition, top and bottom access apertures 270, 280 are
provided for access to the first element 200, the firearm mount 10, and
the firearm 20 areas. Shock bolts such as .500-13 bolts may be used with
the first element rear base plate 230 and the rear plate shock bolt
apertures 232 for securing the first element 200 with the firearm mount
10.

[0044] Second Element 300:

[0045] The second element 300 comprises a means for attaching with the
first element 310 wherein the second element means for attaching with the
first element 200 further comprises a means for adjusting the height 315
of the second element 300 in relation to the first element 200, the
firearm mount 10, the firearm 20 and the armor shield 30, when attaching
the second element 300 with the first element 200. The second element 300
provides a means for attaching the accessories 40 and a means for
extension of the accessories 40 for operator vision and full vertical
movement of the firearm 20 with firearm mount 10 and armor shield 30
independent of the length of the firearm barrel 22. The second element
300 provides a means for safety when the firearm barrel 22 and muzzle
flash 24 are shorter than the length of the second element 300. The
second element 300 provides a means for barrel change without removal of
the firearm 20 or the accessory bracket 100 from the firearm mount 10.

[0046] One embodiment of the second element 300 structure may comprise an
approximately semi-cylindrical accessory bar 320 for providing strength
and rigidity wherein the approximately semi-cylindrical accessory bar 320
comprises exhaust apertures 323, 324 in lower sides of the
semi-cylindrical accessory bar 320 providing removal of gas and debris
from a muzzle flash 24, air flow for cooling, and lighter weight with
larger apertures 323 forward and smaller apertures 324 aft, a bottom
center cutout 325 disposed where the accessory bar 320 rotates closest to
contacting the armor shield 30 during full downward deflection of the
firearm 20, an aft mid-point cutout 326 in the accessory bar 320 for
wires and connectors to pass through as the wires pass from the forward
end 322 of the accessory bar 320 where the accessory mounts or rails 370
are disposed, then passing along the underside of the accessory bar 320
to the firearm mount 10, top cutouts 327, 328 on both sides of the upper
portion of the accessory bar 320 providing access for firearm barrel
changes, and accessory mount or rail apertures 329 disposed with the
accessory bar 320 forward end 322 for attaching an accessory mount 370 at
a maximum distance from the firearm mount 10. The second element 300
structure may further comprise an accessory bar back plate 340 comprising
an upper semi-circular cutout 342 for clearance for the firearm 20, a
lower semi-circular cutout 344 for wires and connectors to pass through,
and four positioning shock bolt apertures 346, 348 wherein two upper
positioning shock bolt apertures 346 align with the first element 200 two
front mount plate apertures 252 when the second element is attached in an
upper position and the two lower positioning shock bolt apertures 348
align with the first element 200 two front mount plate apertures 252 when
the second element 300 is attached in a lower position. Two shock bolts
390 with wedge lock washers 392 secure the attachment of the bottom of
the first element 200 and the second element 300. The second element 300
structure may further comprise a first or forward V-shaped gusset 331, a
second or middle V-shaped gusset 332, and an aft or safety bump V-shaped
gusset 333 wherein the outer shape of the V-shaped gussets match the
inner contour of the accessory bar 320. The aft or safety bump V-shaped
gusset 333 may further comprise a safety bump 334 disposed on the inside
of the V-shaped gusset such that the firearm 20 maintains a safety
clearance between the accessory bracket 100 and the barrel 22 or muzzle
flash 24 when the barrel 22 or the muzzle flash 24 does not extend the
full length of the accessory bracket 100. As depicted in FIG. 2, the MK19
26 is one such firearm 20 in that embodiment that does not extend to the
forward end 322 of the accessory bracket 100. As illustrated in FIG. 19,
additional gussets 337, 338 and 339 may be included in the mid and aft
sections for strength, rigidity and endurance. Gussets may be disposed
perpendicular with the axis of the approximately semi-cylindrical
accessory bar 320 as depicted with gusset 339 or at an angle such that
the gussets cross each other as depicted with gussets 337 and 338. The
second element 300 structure may also comprise a right side locking plate
350 and a left side locking plate 351 for the accessory bar 320 wherein
the right side and left side locking plates 350, 351 each comprise a
vertical slot 352 such that the first element dowels 268, 269 provides
visual confirmation of the upper and lower adjustment of the second
element 300 in relation to the first element 200. The right side and left
side locking plates 350, 351 may further comprise a horizontal slot 354
extending from the rear of the side locking plate into the vertical slot
352 for inserting and removing the first element dowels 268, 269 when
attaching and removing the second element 300 in relation to the first
element 200. The structure of the second element 300 right side and left
side locking plates 350, 351 further align with the contour of the
accessory bar 320 and attach with the accessory bar 320, wherein the
right and left side locking plates 350, 351 when attached with the first
element 200 lock with the first element dowels 268, 269 and provide for
secure accurate locking of the top of the second element 300 with the
first element 200 while also providing for an upper and lower position
attachment and adjustment and provide for visual confirmation of upper
and lower position. The upper position is the normal position. The lower
position provides additional clearance between the firearm 20 or firearm
barrel 22 and the accessory bracket 100. This need for a lower position
includes but is not limited to the M2HB machine gun 25 for using a Blank
Firing Adapter (BFA) and for using shorter barrel firearms such as the
MK19 26. As previously described, two shock bolts 390, wedge lock washers
392, and shock bolt nuts 391 may secure the bottom attachment of the
first element 200 and the second element 300. The second element 300
structure may comprise right and left support gussets 360, wherein the
accessory bar 320 is attached with the accessory bar back plate 340 and
the right and left side locking plates 350, 351. The support gussets 360
are attached with the accessory bar 320 and the accessory bar back plate
340 for strength and rigidity. The first or forward V-shaped gusset 331
is attached with the accessory bar 320 disposed on forward end 322 of the
accessory bar 320, the safety bump V-shaped gusset 333 with safety bump
334 is attached with the accessory bar 320 disposed along the accessory
bar length for maintaining safety clearance using the safety bump 334 for
firearms 20 with a barrel 22 shorter than the full length of the
accessory bar 320. The accessory mount or rail 370 is attached and
disposed on the opposing end of the accessory bar 320 from the accessory
bar back plate 340. The accessory mount or rail 370 may be a Picatinny
rail that is currently used by the military with some firearms to provide
a standard mounting platform for accessories 40. Other standard mounting
platforms 370 may be used. Typically, due to the size and weight of the
flood light accessory 42, the flood light accessory 42 is mounted on the
lower side of the accessory bar 320 to enhance user visibility. The top
of the second element 300 is attached using the dowel pins 268, 269 for
alignment with the side locking plate 350, 351 with the first element 200
in the desired upper or lower position and two bolts 390 with wedge lock
washers 392 are used to secure the bottom of the second element 300 in a
desired accurate position in relation to the first element 200.

[0047] One embodiment of a structure of the second element 300 may
comprise an approximately semi-cylindrical accessory bar 320, at least
one accessory rail 370, for attaching at least one accessory 40, disposed
on the forward end or opposing end 322 of the semi-cylindrical accessory
bar 320 from the second element means for attaching with the first
element 200, and the semi-cylindrical accessory bar 320 provides a length
allowing full downward deflection of the firearm 20 on the firearm mount
10 with an armor shield 30 attached with the firearm mount 10, and the at
least one accessory 40 attached with the at least one accessory rail 370,
such that neither the accessory bar 320 or the at least one accessory 40
or the accessory bracket 100 contacts the armor shield 30 restricting
downward movement of the firearm 20.

[0048] Operation of the Accessory Bracket:

[0049] 1. Install the first element with the firearm mount: remove current
shock bolts; hook right and left side arc cutouts over the firearm mount
alignment lugs; use longer accessory bracket shock bolts and wedge lock
washers for secure attachment of the first element with the firearm
mount; the side, bottom or top access apertures of the right and left
side plates may be used for installing bolts and tightening the bolts for
securing the first element with the firearm mount.

[0050] 2. Install the second element with the first element: slide the
horizontal slots of the second element right and left side locking plates
over the first element right and left dowel pins; raise or lower the
second element to align the visual dowel pin with the second element
right and left side locking plates with the upper or lower position
marker and also align the shock bolt apertures for the first element with
the upper or lower second element shock bolts for the desired upper or
lower configuration; use accessory bracket shock bolts and wedge lock
washers for secure attachment of the second element with the first
element. This process may be reverse to remove the second element from
the first element. The first element of the accessory bracket may be left
attached with the firearm mount without the installation of the second
element of the accessory bracket when desired.

[0051] 3. Install the blank firing adapter: The second element is removed
from the first element and the BFA is installed over the barrel back to
and over the M2HB barrel support, the second element is reattached with
the first element in the lower position. The procedure is reversed for
removing the BFA.

[0052] 4. The operator will be able to: install and change accessories;
change firearms; and change barrels.

[0053] The second element normal position for most firearms 20 is the
upper position or position 2. However, an example of the lower position
or the position 1 use includes the M2HB for training with a Blank Firing
Adapter. When the BFA fits over the barrel 22 between the barrel 2 and
the second element 300 of the accessory bracket 100, there is not enough
clearance for the BFA between the barrel 22 and the accessory bracket 100
in the upper position. The slightly lower position still allows for
realistic training with only a slight difference in accessory alignment
however a slight amount of downward deflection of the firearm may be
lost. Another example of the lower position or position 1 includes the
MK19 for allowance of a safety clearance between the muzzle flash 24 and
the accessory bracket 100. In addition the safety bump 334 on the aft
V-shaped gusset 333 ensures that the second element 300 is in the lower
position for MK19 usage by restricting the firearm 20 from fitting within
the accessory bracket 100 unless the lower position is selected.

[0054] Advantages/Improvements:

[0055] The accessory bracket provides for interchangeability of firearms
and accessories. Not only are multiple firearm and accessories
operational with the accessory mount but also fast firearm, barrel, and
accessory changes are capable. Due to limited attachment points with
current firearm or gun mounts as well as limited space when the firearm
mount is combined with an armor shield, the accessory bracket provides an
innovative means for attaching accessories with the firearm mount without
restricting firearm deflection due to the armor shield when engaging low,
close-in targets. The accessory bracket allows for maximum firearm
vertical deflection through the vertical slot of an armor shield without
restricting movement. The accessory bar also protects the barrel from
contact with the hard steel armor when the barrel may be hot and more
pliable from firing numerous rounds of ammunition. Even with these
previously mentioned constraints the accessory bracket safely provides
adjustability of an upper, normal, position as well as a lower position
for certain firearm configurations.

[0056] The improvements over the previous means of mounting or attaching
accessories include the following: a means for attaching an accessory
bracket and accessories with the firearm mount wherein the means for
attaching the accessory bracket further provides a means for adjusting
the height of the accessory bracket in relation to the firearm mount, or
the firearm and allows for independent interchange of multiple types of
firearms; a means for extension of the accessories for operator vision
and full vertical movement of the firearm with firearm mount and armor
shield independent of the length of the firearm; and a means for
preventing injury when a firearm barrel or muzzle flash is shorter than
the length of the accessory bracket; and provides a means for changing a
barrel without the removal of the firearm or the accessory bracket from
the firearm mount.